Celestyal has expanded the shore excursion programme for its upcoming new-for-2025 ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries on its second ship to visit the region, Celestyal Discovery. New tours include experiences in Ras Al Khaimah – as the cruise line makes it maiden visit to the port – and additional options in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will officially launch the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises from 12 December 2025, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi. Ports of call include maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in addition to Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; and Sir Bani Yas Island. Prices for three nights start from $367.44; four nights from $433.26pp; and from $749.32pp for the seven-night itinerary. Fares include all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. The shore excursion programme has a range of half-day, full-day and two-day options. It also offers ‘Authentic Encounters’, which provide experiences with local people and attractions, and smaller group sizes. Highlights include: • ‘Journey to the Soul of Ras Al Khaimah’: A guided tour through the diverse landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, starting with a scenic drive through desert dunes, followed by a visit to the royal camel racing stables, an Emirati date farm and a mountain village. Full-day tour from ($260pp ( • ‘Ras Al Khaimah and Suwaidi Pearls Farm, Authentic Encounter’: Starting with a tour of the House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls, including a journey on a traditional pearl fishing boat, and visiting Dhayah Fort and Ras Al Khaimah’s Old Town. Full-day tour from)$123pp ( • ‘Dubai from its Eye’: Starting with a scenic drive to Zabeel Palace, the residence …

Grand Hyatt Dubai announced it has officially opened the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark, with 16 signature attractions, from a wave pool with a sand beach, to a meandering lazy river, to the region’s first FlowRider® triple surf simulator, and two slide towers including the iconic Boomerango slide, the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark is designed for every kind of adventure. Whether seeking thrill, fun or relaxation, guests can retreat to private luxury cabanas with plunge pools or spend time together in the dedicated family zone, complete with shaded loungers, playful water features, and spaces created for comfort and connection. “The opening of our new waterpark marks a significant milestone for Grand Hyatt Dubai, as it elevates our leisure offerings and transforms the property into a truly unique destination, where large-scale events, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable leisure experiences seamlessly come together,” commented Fathi Khogaly, Managing Director, Grand Hyatt Dubai and Area Vice President, Hyatt, Dubai. “This remarkable chapter in our journey reflects our continued commitment to innovation and excellence, and we are very proud to unveil the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark – enhancing our guests’ experience in new and exciting ways.” Overlooking the waterpark activities is La Palma, a vibrant destination restaurant offering serene views of the Dubai skyline, shimmering lagoons, landscaped gardens, and a lively family-friendly venue, where every meal becomes part of the fun. More than an attraction, it is a unique experience where Hyatt’s renowned hospitality meets playful adventure and grand leisure. Turning a long-awaited vision into reality and creating a memorable chapter in its iconic 22-year-old story, as the city’s ultimate urban resort. Set across 20,000 sqm within its 37-acre estate, in the heart of Dubai and surrounded by Downtown’s …

TOURISE, the bold global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, announced that it has catalyzed investment portfolios totaling USD 113BN at the inaugural Summit in Riyadh. The milestone reflects TOURISE’s mission to unlock high‑value deal flow by convening public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability to set a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of global tourism. The announced portfolio investments span the full breadth of the visitor economy: luxury retail, next‑generation hotel accommodation, large‑scale integrated, experience‑led developments, wellness, destination and lifestyle offerings, talent development, and AI‑powered platforms. Collectively, these commitments set a new standard for what’s possible, and what’s required, to meet future tourism needs and redesign the traveler journey. Just some of the international and local companies who announced their portfolios as part of the USD 113BN include: Melia Hotels, BWH Hotels, GOCO Hospitality, Cenomi, Radisson, Earth Hotels, Delonix & Ocean Link, AlFozan Holding, Al Kathiri Holding, Alothaim, and Knowledge Economic City. By combining hard infrastructure with human capital, and fusing data, design, and hospitality, these investments will unlock new value across the tourism ecosystem, create new job opportunities, and deliver unforgettable, purpose‑driven experiences at scale. Above all, many were Saudi focused, cementing the Kingdom’s international competitiveness and desirability as a leading global travel destination, where culture, innovation, and world‑class service come together, and signal to partners and investors that this is where the next era of tourism growth is be built. Investment ushers in the next chapter of the global tourism economy His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, commented “TOURISE has been the catalyst that brings investors, policymakers, and innovators to the same …

After the huge success of Air India Express’s excess baggage promotion during the month of October, we’re pleased to announce the extension of the festive promotion on excess baggage from all Gulf countries to India with a few modifications. As part of this limited-time offer, customers can now enjoy 10 kgs of additional baggage allowance for a nominal fee of just AED 11 in the UAE, with similar pricing available across other Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain).  

Arsenale S.p.A., Italy’s leading company in the development of high-end hospitality experiences by rail, announced a major milestone in the creation of Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury train Made in Italy that will operate in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026. The agreement establishes a strategic framework to support the financing for the development of the project, as well as contributing to its global positioning, marking a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s evolution as a global destination for experiential and sustainable tourism. Dream of the Desert will feature 33 luxurious cabins designed to host up to 66 passengers, combining the highest standards of Italian design and craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology and sustainable innovation. The train will travel along an extraordinary 1,300-kilometer route from Riyadh to the north of the country, unveiling the Kingdom’s hidden natural and cultural treasures through an immersive journey that blends elegance, comfort, and discovery. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Arsenale S.p.A. and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) was signed during the opening day of TOURISE 2025, the leading international event for luxury travel held in Riyadh. In his statement, Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund said: “Our partnership with Arsenale marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to redefine global luxury tourism. Dream of the Desert is more than a world-class travel experience, it is a bridge between cultures, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage through the elegance of Italian craftsmanship. At TDF, we are proud to enable pioneering projects like this, which bring innovation, sustainability, and investment into the tourism sector while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a distinctive and inspiring destination for discerning travelers worldwide.” “With Dream of …

The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly concluded with the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, a momentous step taken by member states toward enhanced cooperation over the next 50 years. The Declaration reaffirms the Kingdom’s leadership in global tourism and its position at the heart of major, industry-changing decisions, as the ground-breaking Declaration is poised to play a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing sustainability, digital innovation, AI integration, and inclusive tourism economies. The Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism is a shared roadmap to guide the sector’s next half-century around sustainability, inclusion and AI-powered innovation. It underscores strengthening international cooperation, resilience, and the empowerment of local communities, setting a vision to ensure tourism remains a force for economic growth, cultural understanding, and environmental stewardship worldwide. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “From Riyadh, we move from declarations to delivery. The agreements signed here and the platforms we are launching will mobilize investment, upskill our people, digitize our SMEs, and protect culture and nature. As home to UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East, the Kingdom will continue to convene partners and deliver measurable outcomes, so tourism remains a bridge between nations and a driver of shared prosperity.” “The declaration’s adoption signals renewed determination among the international community to unlock the full economic and social value of tourism as we pursue the SDGs. It is also a vote of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s position as a facilitator of dialogue and a new hub for collaboration.” During the UN Tourism 26th General Assembly, delegates also ratified the appointment of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as …

Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural edition of TOURISE bringing together over 50 tourism ministers, private investors, and NGOs from around the world. The event aims to create a platform where governments, private businesses, and organisations can collaborate on the future of global tourism. Saudi Minister of Tourism HE Ahmed Al Khateeb said the idea for TOURISE came from the need for a venue where regulators and investors can meet, plan, and build together. “The public sector regulates the industry, and the private sector invests and operates. We found no place where both could collaborate effectively and that’s why TOURISE was created,” he said He highlighted that tourism is more than travel, it includes airlines, airports, accommodations, mobility, food and beverage, and technology supporting the sector. “We found a gap,” he said, “a place where the public and private sectors can meet, invest, and innovate together. The conference comes as the tourism industry faces a projected global job gap of 40 million by 2034, with 357 million people currently employed worldwide. Saudi Arabia alone plans over $200 billion in tourism investments over the next five years, developing destinations like Neom, Red Sea, Iddiya, Dera’iya, and Jeddah. Speaking about technology and AI, he emphasised that while AI can digitalise services, human-to-human interactions remain essential. Al Khateeb stressed the sector’s potential for creating jobs for women and youth, particularly in smaller nations, cities, countries and islands. He encouraged private sector leaders to propose solutions for sustainable growth and employment.

Saudi Arabia-based Adeera has signed a new agreement to use transformative travel technology, Amadeus Digital Media. Through advanced omni-channel advertising strategies, Adeera’s brands will be able to better target travelers at the moments they are most likely to book, across paid search, display, and social media. Thomas Grunder, Chief Commercial Officer at Adeera, says: “Using Amadeus’ market intelligence, we will be able to refine our outreach and offer travelers more compelling reasons to choose Adeera. The ability to integrate marketing, distribution, and data insight into a single platform stands out as a significant advantage. “Beyond the product, we appreciate the partnership approach with Amadeus and the opportunity to grow together as Adeera’s brands are being built. This mix of technology and collaboration provides us with the foundation we need to achieve our ambitious growth goals.” Adeera is working to transform hospitality in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the kingdom’s rich tradition of hospitality through locally inspired brands. As hospitality marketing evolves, the brand, backed by the Public Investment Fund, will harness data and technology, not just to reach travelers, but to truly understand and inspire them. Jan Tissera, President, International, Global Accounts and Destinations, Hospitality, Amadeus adds: “By using the data-driven marketing capabilities of Amadeus Digital Media, Adeera can seamlessly launch and optimize campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring its properties are visible to travelers at key decision-making moments. “Recent campaigns using Amadeus Digital Media have helped hotels and destinations achieve double-digit growth in direct bookings and occupancy, while lowering marketing costs. Together, we can set new benchmarks for excellence by creating meaningful, personalized experiences that connect with each traveler.”

Pullman Hotels & Resorts announced its brand transformation and vision for the future — a milestone designed to inspire, energize, and strengthen Pullman’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic hotel brands. The brand transformation marks a bold new era for Pullman Hotels & Resorts. The refreshed hotel experience introduces a new design language, energizing guest experiences, and a renewed approach to meetings and social gatherings. “Pullman’s transformation marks the start of an exciting new era,” explains Benoît Racle, Global Brand President, Premium, Accor. “This is a complete reimagining of how Pullman connects people and ideas. Each hotel becomes a place of exchange, where energy, culture, and creativity collide. It is a privilege to unveil this new chapter at TOURISE — a global stage that mirrors our own ambition to shape the future of travel — and marks the beginning of a movement that will continue to unfold across our hotels worldwide.” With more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries and 70+ additional addresses in the pipeline, Pullman continues to expand its reach across key markets in the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, and Africa. The next phase of the transformation will be brought to life through new flagship openings, including Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort in Guadeloupe, Pullman Kolašin Breza in Montenegro, and Pullman Tokyo Ginza in Japan, which exemplify the brand’s forward-thinking approach to design, connection, and creativity. Executives unveiled a first look at the transformation this week at TOURISE, a landmark new global platform launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) that aims to reshape the future of tourism. Designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision, TOURISE unites governments, investors, and global brands to …

Sharjah Airport has introduced a new Home Check-In service that lets passengers complete check-in procedures, get boarding passes, and hand over luggage from home before heading to the airport. The initiative, aimed at easing congestion and saving time, allows travellers to proceed straight to passport control upon arrival. The service can be booked via the airport’s website, hotline (800745424), or the “SHJ Home Check-In” mobile app, and must be scheduled at least eight hours before departure. A dedicated team from Sharjah Airport will visit passengers’ homes, workplaces, or hotels to complete all formalities, including baggage collection. Available initially across selected areas in Sharjah, the service caters especially to families and business travellers looking for faster and more convenient airport experiences. Packages start at AED145 for one to two bags (Coral), AED165 for three to four bags (Silver), and AED185 for up to six bags (Gold), with an additional AED20 per extra bag. Sharjah Airport Authority said the move aligns with its goal of enhancing passenger comfort and efficiency through technology and service innovation, as part of its broader strategy to modernise travel experiences across the emirate.